Category

Investing

Category

Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA) confirmed it has signed a long-term agreement to supply up to 150 megawatts of geothermal power to support Google’s data center operations in Nevada.

The Reno-based renewable energy company announced Tuesday (February 17) that it entered into a portfolio power purchase agreement (PPA) with NV Energy, the Berkshire Hathaway-owned utility serving Nevada. The electricity will ultimately support Alphabet’s (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google under NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff framework.

Under the terms of the deal, Ormat will develop a series of new geothermal projects across Nevada capable of delivering up to 150 MW of capacity. The projects are expected to come online between 2028 and 2030.

The contract term will begin once the first project achieves commercial operation and will extend 15 years beyond the commercial operation date of the final project, creating a long-duration revenue stream.

The structure allows projects to be added to the portfolio as they reach commercial operation, giving Ormat flexibility in staging development while providing Google with a scalable source of clean, around-the-clock electricity.

“AI is fundamentally increasing electricity demand across the technology sector, and geothermal power is uniquely positioned to deliver the reliable, carbon-free power required to support that growth,” said Ormat CEO Doron Blachar.

“This portfolio PPA provides long-term profitable revenue growth and clear visibility into our portfolio development plans, while solidifying our conviction in the expanded exploration and drilling activities we have undertaken over the past several years that laid the groundwork for securing this significant agreement and others like it.”

Blachar added that the agreement, combined with the extension of geothermal tax credits under the OBBBA framework, strengthens Ormat’s ability to execute its long-term growth strategy.

“The momentum of the Clean Transition Tariff through this agreement with NV Energy, Google and Ormat demonstrates a proven, scalable model for large customers to partner with utilities and technology providers to bring new clean capacity to the grid,” said Briana Kobor, Google’s Head of Energy Market Innovation.

The Clean Transition Tariff enables large energy users to procure new clean generation while covering the full costs of their electric service, a structure designed to prevent cost shifts to other customers.

Ormat said the framework could be replicated in other US electricity markets.

The announcement was well received by investors. Ormat shares rose as much as 8.1 percent intraday, marking the company’s largest single-day gain since 2023.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Precious metals prices continued to face downward pressure this week as investors took strong US economic data and a changing geopolitical landscape into consideration.

After climbing to fresh all-time highs at the start of 2026, a myriad of factors in February have seemingly taken the sails out gold, silver and platinum prices. However, the underlying fundamentals for the precious metals remain strong, resulting in a resiliency that lends optimism to higher price points to come in 2026.

Let’s take a look at what got spot prices moving over the past week.

Gold price

Gold hit a record high of close to US$5,600 per ounce at the end of January before sliding into one of the largest price drops in decades, dipping as low as US$4,400 as February kicked off.

Over the past week, the metal has oscillated between slumps and cautious recovery. The spot price lost the battle to remain above the key US$5,000 mark in morning trading on February 12, falling to an intraday low of US$4,907.41. February 13 saw gold rebound slightly and trade in a tight range between US$5,000 and US$5,040.

Gold couldn’t hold that level on Monday (February 16), and the next day it began sliding below the US$4,900 support level. Wednesday (February 18) brought some relief, with gold once again fighting to stay above US$5,000.

Gold price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

Gold price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

The primary drivers for gold this past week are:

      • Seasonal liquidity is also at play this week as the Lunar New Year holiday, which runs from February 16 to 23, typically results in lower trading volumes.

      In other gold news, the 2026 TSX Venture 50 list was released on Wednesday, with several gold companies named as top performers. The top five gold stocks on the list are: 1911 Gold (TSXV:AUMB,OTCQB:AUMBF), TDG Gold (TSXV:TDG,OTCQX:TDGGF), Omai Gold Mines (TSXV:OMG,OTCQB:OMGGF), Prospector Metals (TSXV:PPP,OTCQB:PMCOF) and Goldgroup Mining (TSXV:GGA,OTCQX:GGAZF).

      Silver price

      Silver has broadly tracked gold’s price movements over the past week.

      However, the white metal has exhibited significantly higher volatility, and the silver spot price is far outside of striking range of its all-time high of more than US$121 per ounce, which it reached on January 29.

      Silver fell by more than 9 percent on February 12 as it followed gold on the downtrend, falling from around US$83 to US$75. On Friday the 13th, silver managed not to scare investors as it traded mostly sideways at the US$77 level.

      For most of Monday and Tuesday (February 17), silver continued to limp along this trend line, but has managed to gain ground, rising from the US$75 level to an intraday high of US$78.24 as of 11:00 a.m. PST on Wednesday.

      Silver price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      Silver price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      In addition to the macro factors influencing gold, volatility in the silver market has also come from the ups and downs in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. Silver, the most electrically and thermally conductive metal on the planet, is considered a key material for AI tech, particularly in data centers and high-performance computing.

      Over the past week, the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ) has slid from approximately US$50.55 to US$49.94 as of midday on Wednesday, reflecting broader weakness in the sector.

      In other silver news, in its latest annual outlook, published on February 10, the Silver Institute reported that it expects macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions to remain broadly supportive for silver in 2026.

      Platinum price

      On February 12, platinum was trading as high as US$2,136 per ounce in early morning trading, but soon followed its precious metals sisters on a downward slide to an intraday low of US$1,982.50. The metal was back above US$2,070 the next day, and for the first part of this week it’s managed to trade above the US$2,000 level.

      Wednesday was a recovery day for platinum as it reached an intraday high of US$2,122.90 as of 11:00 a.m. PST.

      Platinum price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      Platinum price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      Platinum is one of the top-performing metals over the past year, reaching 12 year highs in recent weeks. Demand is being driven by the metal’s essential role in the emerging hydrogen economy. It’s also still seeing robust demand from the auto sector despite the emergence of electric vehicles and uneasy consumer confidence in the economy.

      On the supply side, global platinum reserves remain critically low, especially as the world’s biggest producer, South Africa, continues to be plagued by power shortages and operational disruptions.

      This week, Johnson Matthey (LSE:JMAT,OTCPL:JMPLF), Sibanye-Stillwater (NYSE:SBSW) and Valterra Platinum (LSE:VALT,JSE:VAL,OTCPL:AGPPF) launched a multimillion-dollar partnership to develop new platinum-group metals clean energy and industrial technologies outside of the auto sector.

      Palladium price

      Palladium has been the black sheep of the precious metals family for the past few years, remaining well below its March 2022 all-time record of US$3,440.76 per ounce.

      On February 12 it followed the precious metals pack down from US$1,741 to as low as US$1,664.

      After a rebounding above to US$1,783 level on Monday, the following trading today brought much volatility to the metal, which traded in the US$1,670 to US$1,720 range. Platinum managed to to make gains to the upside on Wednesday with an intraday high of US$1,774 as of 11:00 a.m. PST.

      Palladium price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      Palladium price chart, February 12, 2026 to February 18, 2026.

      The palladium price is being held down by a slump in demand for electric vehicles and a looming oversupply situation. Analysts at Heraeus Precious Metals predict that the palladium market may move into a surplus in 2026 as secondary supply from recycling increases by 10 percent.

      On that note, an announcement shaping the outlook for palladium on the supply side this past week came from the US Department of Commerce, which issued a preliminary statement of support for anti-dumping duties of approximately 133 percent on unwrought Russian palladium imports.

      This follows a petition from Sibanye-Stillwater over allegations that Russian metal is being sold in the US at less than fair value. A final decision is expected in the case by June of this year.

      Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Christopher Aaron, founder of iGoldAdvisor and Elite Private Placements, explains where gold and silver are in the current cycle and what his strategy looks like now.

      ‘This cycle is going to end in a mania,’ he said. ‘You want to position not when the mania is unfolding, but when it gets quiet, and I think we’re in one of those windows now to be positioning.’

      Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      The US Department of Commerce has sharply increased trade penalties on Chinese graphite anode materials, concluding that producers in China engaged in unfair pricing and subsidy practices that harmed the US market.

      In a final determination issued February 11, 2026, Commerce raised countervailing duties on Chinese natural graphite anode material to 66.68 percent and maintained anti-dumping duties at 93.5 percent.

      Combined with existing tariffs, the total effective rate on imports of Chinese natural graphite anode material now stands at approximately 220 percent as determined by Westwater Resources (NYSE:WWR) in a separate release.

      The ruling remains subject to a final affirmative injury determination by the US International Trade Commission, expected in March 2026. If the ITC affirms injury, the duties will remain in place for a minimum of five years under US trade law.

      Westwater Resources, a US-based battery-grade natural graphite developer, said the final determination confirms that Chinese producers violated anti-dumping rules.

      The company estimates the cumulative tariff burden now includes a 10 percent duty under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 25 percent Section 301 tariffs, 25 percent Section 232 tariffs, 66.68 percent countervailing duties and 93.5 percent anti-dumping duties, totaling roughly 220.18 percent.

      The final ruling marks a significant escalation from the preliminary findings issued in 2025.

      At that time, Commerce imposed countervailing duties of 11.58 percent and anti-dumping duties of 93.5 percent. The anti-dumping rate remains unchanged, but the countervailing duty component was substantially increased in the final decision.

      The investigation also traces back to a petition filed in December 2024 by American Active Anode Material Producers (AAAMP), a coalition representing North American graphite producers.

      The group sought tariffs as high as 920 percent, arguing that Chinese state subsidies and artificially low pricing were undermining efforts to build a domestic graphite anode industry.

      Active anode materials covered by the investigation include natural and synthetic graphite, as well as graphite contained within finished lithium-ion batteries. Graphite is the largest component in the anode of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, typically consisting of a blend of natural and synthetic materials.

      The US Geological Survey (USGS) has previously reported that the US does not mine natural graphite and relies entirely on imports to meet its requirements. In 2024, all domestic graphite demand was met through foreign supply.

      Westwater said the expanded trade measures could shift demand toward US-produced natural graphite anode materials, particularly across lithium-ion battery markets such as electric vehicles, energy storage and defense applications.

      The company is developing the Kellyton graphite processing plant in Alabama and controls the Coosa Graphite Deposit, described as the largest and most advanced natural flake graphite deposit in the contiguous United States.

      Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      A stockpile of 1,000 metric tons of uranium seized from a French-operated mine in Niger is now sitting at a military airbase in Niamey that was recently attacked by Islamic State militants, raising fresh concerns over security and the material’s uncertain future.

      The uranium, which is processed yellowcake used to fuel nuclear reactors, has been offered for sale by Niger’s military government but remains unsold.

      Its current storage site, adjacent to the capital’s main international airport, became the target of a surprise assault by ISIS fighters in late January. The militant group later claimed responsibility for the attack, which appeared aimed at drones stationed at the base.

      The material was transferred from the SOMAÏR mine near Arlit late last year, despite a September ruling by the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ordering Niger “not to sell, transfer, or even facilitate the transfer to third parties of uranium produced by SOMAÏR” held in violation of Orano’s rights.

      The junta that seized power in 2023 has framed control of the uranium as a matter of sovereignty. Colonel Ousmane Abarchi, Niger’s mining minister, has made clear the country intends to monetize the stockpile.

      “We can sell to whoever we want,” Abarchi said as reported by the Financial Times, adding that Niger would only deal with buyers it considered responsible. “We are talking with the Russians. We are talking to the Chinese. We are talking to the Americans,” he added.

      The uranium, estimated to be worth about US$240 million, was removed from the SOMAÏR mine, historically operated by French nuclear group Orano. The move followed months of escalating tensions between Niger’s junta and Paris.

      The company has warned it is prepared to initiate “any and all actions” necessary, including “against third parties,” if the material is sold.

      Russia is widely viewed as the most plausible candidate. Niger has deepened ties with Moscow since expelling French forces, and a small Russian military contingent is present in the country.

      However, a person close to Niger’s leadership suggested that overt alignment with Moscow carries risks.

      “If there was a clear American opportunity, they would jump at it,” the source said in the same FT report. “The last thing that you want to do is sell to the Russians on the dark market.”

      Even if Niger secures a buyer, exporting the uranium presents another challenge. With its border with Benin largely closed since 2023, Niger has been forced to rely on a route through Burkina Faso and Togo.

      Niger once supplied up to a quarter of the natural uranium used in European nuclear power plants. Since the coup, the junta has repositioned itself away from France and toward new alliances, framing control of mineral resources as an assertion of independence.

      Spot uranium prices briefly surpassed US$100 per pound in late January, as nuclear demand projections continue to underscore a supply deficit. Spot prices have since pulled back slightly to the US$89 per pound range, still a historically high level.

      Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR,OTC:LFLRF) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) (‘LaFleur Minerals’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to provide an update on the advancement of its Beacon Gold Mill restart plans, further to the Company’s press release dated January 26, 2026, which outlined its near-term production strategy and the ongoing advancement of its comprehensive Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’). The Company’s assets, the Swanson Gold Deposit and Beacon Gold Mill, lie in the heart of the Val-d’Or, Québec mining camp, on the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt, Canada’s largest gold producing region.

      Valley of Gold, Val-d’Or, Québec

      The Val-d’Or/Rouyn-Noranda mining camp is a premier gold mining hub within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt of Québec with over 73 million ounces of gold produced from 1926 to 2019 (source: DigiGeoData). The Val-d’Or mining district, known as the ‘Valley of Gold,’ is characterized by Archean greenstone-hosted orogenic gold deposits typically found in quartz-tourmaline-carbonate veins. The Lamaque Complex is located in Val-d’Or and operated by Eldorado Gold Inc. Commercial production was declared at the Triangle mine on March 31, 2019, and has since produced over 1 Moz of gold (source: Eldorado Gold website). The Lamaque Complex deposits are located within the prolific Val-d’Or district that hosts the historical Lamaque and Sigma Mines. Collectively, these mines produced nearly 9.5 million ounces of gold between 1937 and 2012 (source: Cowen, E.J, 2020. Miner Deposita 55, p217-240). The region is host to numerous other gold deposits or exploration stage projects that surround LaFleur Minerals’ 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill (Figure 1). Please note that mineralization on these adjacent properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company’s properties.

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_001.jpg

      Figure 1: Regional View of LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Project

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_001full.jpg

      LaFleur Minerals: Restarting Gold Production at 100%-Owned Mill in the Valley of Gold

      LaFleur’s Minerals Beacon Gold Mill, Swanson Gold Deposit, and Beacon Tailings Pond are situated centrally within the prolific southern Abitibi Greenstone Belt. The Beacon Gold Mill, located in the heart of this mining camp, underwent more than $20 million in recent upgrades and modernization prior to its most recent gold production in 2022, when gold prices were approximately $2,000 per ounce. Today, with gold prices significantly higher, breaking above $4,900 per ounce, the Company believes that the strategic value of owning the fully permitted Beacon Gold Mill, Tailings Pond, and related infrastructure within such a prolific gold district provides a compelling foundation for near-term gold production and long-term district-scale growth.

      Beacon Mill Restart Progress

      Refurbishment and site upgrade activities are progressing well. As of today, work continues to advance steadily across critical plant systems, with several major components now refurbished or nearing operational readiness.

      Electrical upgrades and winterization improvements have largely been completed, helping ensure reliable year-round operations. On the mechanical side, numerous pumps, material handling systems, and key processing components have been inspected, repaired, and prepared for restart. Structural integrity inspections have confirmed the plant remains in good condition. Modern safety upgrades, including hydroelectric, fire protection, and enhanced security surveillance, are now in place.

      To date, approximately 30% of the total budget has been spent on the project, which remains firmly under cost control, with substantial physical progress achieved while maintaining strong financial flexibility.

      These initiatives represent important milestones as the Company prepares for re-commissioning and the mill’s restart, anchored by a vertically-integrated mine-to-mill portfolio that includes the Company’s Swanson Gold Deposit, just 60 kilometres from the Beacon Gold Mill, the Beacon Gold Mill and Tailings Pond. LaFleur Minerals’ strategy focuses on combining resource development at the Swanson Gold Deposit with the permitted Beacon Gold Mill to accelerate the pathway to production.

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_002.jpg

      Figure 2: LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_002full.jpg

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_003.jpg

      Figure 3: Inside LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_003full.jpg

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_004.jpg

      Figure 4: Inside LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_004full.jpg

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_005.jpg

      Figure 5: Inside LaFleur’s Beacon Gold Mill, Agitator

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_005full.jpg

      Swanson Gold Continues to Deliver Results

      Swanson Gold Deposit’s recent drill campaign has validated strong gold continuity, long mineralized intercepts including a standout intercept of 2.05 g/t Au over 158.25 metres (Hole SW-25-066), narrow high-grade results including 121.0 g/t Au over 1.1 metres and new shallow discoveries beyond the current Swanson Deposit footprint, reinforcing Swanson’s potential as a scalable, district-scale gold asset and long-term source of mill feed for the Company’s nearby Beacon Gold Mill (refer to press release dated February 4, 2026).

      Paul Ténière, Chief Executive Officer of LaFleur Minerals Inc., commented, ‘LaFleur Minerals has assembled what we believe is a technically differentiated and strategically rare asset base for a company at our stage of development. After only ~18 months of listing on the CSE, we control a district-scale exploration project at the Swanson Gold Deposit as potential primary feed source, the Beacon Tailings Pond, and fully permitted processing infrastructure, the Beacon Gold Mill. It is highly uncommon for emerging resource companies to simultaneously hold a large-scale exploration land package and access to owned milling infrastructure, particularly this early in their corporate lifecycle. LaFleur Minerals is advancing its PEA in parallel with the refurbishment of an existing processing facility, materially compressing the timeline between resource delineation and potential production. As our PEA approaches completion, targeted for March 2026, and as we prepare for pre-operational tests and system checks at the Beacon Gold Mill in the coming months, we are transitioning from pure exploration and development to gold production execution, positioning LaFleur Minerals as a near-term production story supported by tangible infrastructure and a district-scale growth platform.’

      The Company’s impending PEA will provide updated economic metrics and a development roadmap aligned with its near-term production objectives. Concurrently, mill refurbishment activities remain on schedule, positioning LaFleur for operational readiness as market conditions remain favourable. With gold prices now exceeding $4,900 per ounce, the strategic value of controlling both feed and processing capacity becomes even more significant. LaFleur Minerals’ integrated asset portfolio provides optionality, capital efficiency, and operational leverage to gold price appreciation.

      Further updates will be provided as key milestones are achieved.

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_006.jpg

      Figure 6: LaFleur’s Swanson Gold Project, Drilling

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/284272_8c1565e204f76b48_006full.jpg

      QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT AND DATA VERIFICATION

      All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the Company and considered a Qualified Person (QP) for the purposes of NI 43-101.

      About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

      LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR,OTC:LFLRF) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d’Or, Québec. The Company’s mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. LaFleur Minerals’ fully-permitted and refurbished Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material from Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

      ON BEHALF OF LaFleur Minerals INC.
      Paul Ténière, M.Sc., P.Geo.
      Chief Executive Officer
      E: info@lafleurminerals.com
      LaFleur Minerals Inc.
      1500-1055 West Georgia Street
      Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7

      Website: www.lafleurminerals.com | LinkedIn | Twitter/X | Instagram

      Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

      Cautionary Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

      This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

      Corporate Logo

      To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284272

      News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA) confirmed it has signed a long-term agreement to supply up to 150 megawatts of geothermal power to support Google’s data center operations in Nevada.

      The Reno-based renewable energy company announced Tuesday (February 17) that it entered into a portfolio power purchase agreement (PPA) with NV Energy, the Berkshire Hathaway-owned utility serving Nevada.

      The electricity will ultimately support Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Inc.’s Google under NV Energy’s Clean Transition Tariff (CTT) framework.

      Under the terms of the deal, Ormat will develop a series of new geothermal projects across Nevada capable of delivering up to 150 MW of capacity. The projects are expected to come online between 2028 and 2030.

      The contract term will begin once the first project achieves commercial operation and will extend 15 years beyond the commercial operation date of the final project, creating a long-duration revenue stream.

      The structure allows projects to be added to the portfolio as they reach commercial operation, giving Ormat flexibility in staging development while providing Google with a scalable source of clean, around-the-clock electricity.

      “AI is fundamentally increasing electricity demand across the technology sector, and geothermal power is uniquely positioned to deliver the reliable, carbon-free power required to support that growth,” said Ormat CEO Doron Blachar. “This portfolio PPA provides long-term profitable revenue growth and clear visibility into our portfolio development plans, while solidifying our conviction in the expanded exploration and drilling activities we have undertaken over the past several years that laid the groundwork for securing this significant agreement and others like it.”

      Blachar added that the agreement, combined with the extension of geothermal tax credits under the OBBBA framework, strengthens Ormat’s ability to execute its long-term growth strategy.

      “The momentum of the Clean Transition Tariff through this agreement with NV Energy, Google and Ormat demonstrates a proven, scalable model for large customers to partner with utilities and technology providers to bring new clean capacity to the grid,” said Briana Kobor, Google’s Head of Energy Market Innovation.

      The Clean Transition Tariff enables large energy users to procure new clean generation while covering the full costs of their electric service, a structure designed to prevent cost shifts to other customers.

      Ormat said the framework could be replicated in other US electricity markets.

      The announcement was well received by investors. Ormat shares rose as much as 8.1 percent intraday, marking the company’s largest single-day gain since 2023.

      Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Nevgold Corp. (‘NevGold’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV:NAU,OTC:NAUFF) (OTCQX:NAUFF) (Frankfurt:5E50) is pleased to announce the high-grade oxide gold-antimony discovery of the ‘Armory Fault’ at the Bullet Zone at its Limousine Butte Project (the ‘Project’, ‘Limo Butte’) in Nevada. The discovery of the ‘Armory Fault’ is a key, transformational development in defining the high-grade structural controls of mineralization at the evolving Bullet Zone. All drillholes at the Bullet Zone from the 2H-2025 drill program intercepted substantial oxide gold-antimony mineralization, significantly expanding the mineralization footprint at the Project. The Company continues to focus on dual track project development by advancing the near-term antimony production scenario from the historical gold leach pads at surface, while it drills the Project to define an initial gold-antimony Mineral Resource Estimate (‘MRE’).

      Key Highlights

      • ‘Armory Fault’ discovery identifies key structural control of high-grade mineralization at the Bullet Zone with oxide gold-antimony of 8.51 g/t AuEq* over 10.6 meters (8.11 g/t Au and 0.10% Sb), within 2.32 g/t AuEq* over 86.8 meters (1.94 g/t Au and 0.10% Sb):
        • LB25-017 Lower Zone (step-out, new ‘Armory Fault’ discovery): 12.34 g/t AuEq* over 3.0 meters (11.95 g/t Au and 0.10% Sb) within 8.51 g/t AuEq* over 10.6 meters (8.11 g/t Au and 0.10% Sb), within 2.32 g/t AuEq* over 86.8 meters (1.94 g/t Au and 0.10% Sb); due to drilling conditions, the hole terminated in 8.25 g/t oxide Au, with the highest interval up to 12.80 g/t oxide Au
        • LB25-017 Upper Zone (step-out, expansion of near-surface high-grade oxide antimony-gold): 5.46 g/t AuEq* over 3.1 meters (0.82% Sb and 2.27 g/t Au) within 3.14 g/t AuEq* over 9.2 meters (0.48% Sb and 1.27 g/t Au) within 1.59 g/t AuEq* over 21.3 meters (0.25% Sb and 0.61 g/t Au) starting at 4.6 meters; high-grade antimony is concentrated along the low-angle thrust fault under the ‘upper plate dolomite’ (Figure 2)
        • LB25-016 (step-out, adds over 50 meters north of mineralization footprint): 1.25 g/t AuEq* over 10.7 meters (0.63 g/t Au and 0.16% Sb), within 0.66 g/t AuEq* over 30.5 meters (0.31 g/t Au and 0.09% Sb)
        • *Gold equivalents (‘AuEq’) are based on assumed metals prices of US$3,000/oz of gold and US$40,000 per tonne of antimony, and assumed metals recoveries of 80% for gold and 75% for antimony.
      • ‘Armory Fault’ is transformational to the Project as it identifies important structural controls of high-grade oxide gold-antimony mineralization (Figure 1): 
        • 30 holes completed in the current 2025-2026 drill program with 12 holes pending release 
        • Antimony is one of the highest priority Critical Minerals due to its strategic importance and military applications; Limo Butte is a brownfield mine site located in the State of Nevada with near-surface, high-grade antimony mineralization   

        Limo Butte Planned 2025-2026 Activities / Status Update
        NevGold will continue its active exploration program at Limo Butte including:

        • Evaluating the historical geological database with focus on gold and antimony (completed);
        • Advancing metallurgical testwork (continuous activity);
        • Continuing to drill test gold-antimony targets (30 drillholes completed, 2026 drill program will continue to test new high-grade Bullet Zone and Armory Fault discoveries, and identified project-wide targets);
        • Advancing the Crushed and Run of Mine (‘ROM’) leach pads toward near-term antimony production (Phase I sampling completed, Company has engaged sonic drill contractor to drill leach pads, metallurgical testwork is continuing);
        • Completing initial gold-antimony Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) (in progress).

        NevGold CEO, Brandon Bonifacio, comments: ‘The discovery of the Armory Fault at the Bullet Zone is transformational from an exploration standpoint, as it identifies what is thought to be a key structural control of high-grade oxide gold-antimony mineralization. This fault was never modelled previously, and our technical team has done a tremendous job developing this target. Our geological model testing the ‘under the upper dolomite’ target concept has been validated as we have intercepted significant gold-antimony mineralization in every single drillhole at the Bullet Zone. The mineralization footprint and upside that we have added to the future potential gold-antimony Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) is significant, and we will start our 2026 drill program as rapidly as possible to further test this evolving, high-grade target area. We also strongly believe that this target model can be replicated project-wide, and we have many high-priority targets that are now emerging with this key transformational step-change in the project geological model. We continue to execute on all of our various work programs at Limo Butte, and the Project is one of the highest grade gold-antimony projects in the United States.‘ 

        Figure 1 – Resurrection Ridge target area with the Bullet Zone discovery and newly defined high-grade Armory Fault. Figure also includes completed NevGold 2025 drilling and identified expansion areas with the thrust faulted Upper Plate Dolomite. Red outline is the previous mineralization footprint at Resurrection Ridge, and the green outline is the key expansion area for 2026 drilling. To view image please click here

        Figure 2 – Long section with results from 2025 drilling and the Bullet Zone and Armory Fault discoveries. Light blue bar graphs (left) show Antimony (Sb ppm) in drilling, and yellow to red discs (right) show Gold (Au ppm) in drilling. Transparent drillholes are from prior to 2025, with many holes not analyzed for antimony. Mineralization remains open in all directions at the Bullet Zone discovery. To view image please click here

        Figure 3 – Long section with results from 2025 drilling and new high-grade Armory Fault discovery. Light blue bar graphs (left) show Antimony (Sb ppm) in drilling, and yellow to red discs (right) show Gold (Au ppm) in drilling. Updated geologic model shows faults with high magnitude of offset between vertical holes, which are high priority targets for 2026 drilling. All holes drilled into this area intercepted significant oxide gold-antimony mineralization adding significant growth to the mineralized footprint at the Project. Mineralization trends to surface.
        To view image please click here

        2025-2026 Drill Results

        Hole ID Length, m* g/t Au % Sb g/t AuEq** From, m To, m
        Resurrection Ridge & ‘Bullet Zone’ Discovery
        LB25-017 Upper 21.3 0.61 0.25% 1.59 4.6 25.9
           including 9.2 1.27 0.48% 3.14 13.7 22.9
           also including 3.1 2.27 0.82% 5.46 15.2 18.3
        LB25-017 Lower*** 86.8 1.94 0.10% 2.32 187.5 274.3
           including 10.6 8.11 0.10% 8.51 263.7 274.3
           also including 3.0 11.95 0.10% 12.34 263.7 266.7
        LB25-016 141.7 0.11 0.03% 0.23 0.0 141.7
           including 30.5 0.31 0.09% 0.66 0.0 30.5
           including 10.7 0.63 0.16% 1.25 0.0 10.7

        *Downhole thickness reported; true width varies depending on drill hole dip and is approximately 70% to 90% of downhole thickness.
        **The gold equivalents (‘AuEq’) are based on assumed metals prices of US$3,000/oz of gold and US$40,000 per tonne of antimony, and assumed metals recoveries of 80% for gold and 75% for antimony.
        ***Several intervals had low recovery due to drilling conditions.

        Drillhole Orientation Details

        Hole ID Target Zone Easting Northing Elevation (m) Length (m) Azimuth Dip
        LB25-016 Bullet Zone (RR) 667291 4417567 2174 174 90 -75
        LB25-017 Bullet Zone (RR) 667121 4417247 2177 275 130 -60

        Limo Butte – Updated Geological Model Summary and Discovery of Bullet Zone
        The Devonian Pilot Shale (‘Pilot Shale’, ‘Pilot’) is the principal local host to Carlin-type mineralization at Limousine Butte. At Limousine Butte, positive gold grades commonly coincide with silicification and jasperoid breccias within the Pilot Shale, and this alteration style is also host to elevated antimony.

        NevGold’s 2021–2025 work included integrating historical drilling, new mapping, and surface sampling which produced an updated district model and refined property-wide controls on mineralization. At Resurrection Ridge, Devonian–Silurian dolomite is exposed immediately east of known gold-antimony mineralization. Earlier explorers inferred that the overlying Pilot Shale had been eroded in this area, and they did not test eastward, despite shallow high-grade intercepts in the easternmost holes drilled at Resurrection Ridge. The new model indicates the older dolomite was thrust over the prospective Pilot Shale unit (see Figure 4), creating structural preparation and a fluid trap that preserves the favorable host at depth, the classic architecture for a Carlin-type system.

        The holes drilled by the Company in 2025 with assays received have continued to validate the new NevGold geological model. Holes collared in dolomite, passed through the upper thrust plate, and intersected gold and antimony at multiple horizons within the underlying Pilot Shale validating the new geological model and materially expanding the potential mineralization footprint at the Project.

        The preserved Pilot Shale extends more than one kilometer east of prior drilling at Resurrection Ridge (see Figure 5).

        A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

        Figure 4 – Comparison of historical geological model (left) and new NevGold geological model (right) outlining the thesis that the older dolomite unit was thrust over the prospective Pilot Shale unit. The preserved Pilot Shale unit extends more than 1 kilometer east of prior drilling at Resurrection Ridge. To view image please click here

        Property-wide, the updated model outlines multiple Au–Sb target corridors that track outcrops and projected subsurface positions of the Pilot Shale, where repeated faulting and thrusting provided fluid pathways and focused mineralization. NevGold’s 2025-2026 drill program continues to test these high-priority targets.

        A map of the area AI-generated content may be incorrect.

        Figure 5 – Large cross section at the Project outlining the strong expansion potential between Resurrection Ridge and Crashed Airplane Valley, which spans +2.5 kilometers. To view image please click here

        Historical records within the project boundary document two small-scale antimony prospects—the Nevada Antimony Mine and the Lage Antimony Prospect (Figure 1). The Nevada Antimony Mine extracted stibnite (Sb₂S₃) from a hydrothermal breccia via shallow pits; the Lage prospect similarly reports limited antimony production. Complementing these records, rock-chip sampling from the Golden Butte pit (Brigham Young University thesis) returned numerous assays exceeding 1% Sb in jasperoid breccias, with several over 5% Sb, including a sample grading 9.6% Sb with visible stibnite and stibiconite (BYU Thesis Report ).

        Together, these datasets support a district-scale interpretation in which thrust repetition preserves the Pilot Shale at depth east of Resurrection Ridge and focuses Au–Sb mineralization along structurally prepared horizons, establishing multiple high-priority targets for step-out drilling and follow-up work.

        Importance of Antimony
        Antimony is considered a ‘Critical Mineral’ by the United States based on the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2022 list (U.S.G.S. (2022)). ‘Critical Minerals’ are metals and non-metals essential to the economy and national security. Antimony is utilized in all manners of military applications, including the manufacturing of armor piercing bullets, night vision goggles, infrared sensors, precision optics, laser sighting, explosive formulations, hardened lead for bullets and shrapnel, ammunition primers, tracer ammunition, nuclear weapons and production, tritium production, flares, military clothing, and communication equipment. Other uses include technology (semi-conductors, circuit boards, electric switches, fluorescent lighting, high quality clear glass and lithium-ion batteries) and clean-energy storage.

        Globally, approximately 90% of the world’s current antimony supply is produced by China, Russia, and Tajikistan. Beginning on September 15, 2024, China, which is responsible for nearly half of all global mined antimony output and dominates global refinement and processing, announced that it will restrict antimony exports. In December-2024, China explicitly restricted antimony exports to the United States citing its dual military and civilian uses, which further exacerbated global supply chain concerns. (Lv, A. and Munroe, T. (2024)) The U.S. Department of Defense (‘DOD’) has designated antimony as a ‘Critical Mineral’ due to its importance in national security, and governments are now prioritizing domestic production to mitigate supply chain disruptions. Projects exploring antimony sources in North America play a key role in addressing these challenges.

        Perpetua Resources Corp. (‘Perpetua’, NASDAQ:PPTA, TSX:PPTA) has the most advanced domestic gold-antimony project in the United States. Perpetua’s project, known as Stibnite, is located in Idaho approximately 130 km northeast of NevGold’s Nutmeg Mountain and Zeus projects. Positive advancements at Stibnite including technical development and permitting has led to US$75 million in Department of Defense (‘DOD’) awards, over $1.8 billion in indicative financing from the Export Import Bank of the United States (‘US EXIM’) (see Perpetua Resources News Release from April 8, 2024) (Perpetua Resources. (2025)), and recent strategic investments of US$180 million from Agnico-Eagle Mines Limited (‘Agnico’) and US$75 million from JPMorganChase’s $1.5 trillion Security and Resiliency Initiative. (see Perpetua Resources News Release from October 27, 2025)

        Figure 6 – Limousine Butte Land Holdings and District Exploration Activity To view image please click here

        ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

        ‘Signed’

        Brandon Bonifacio, President & CEO

        For further information, please contact Brandon Bonifacio at bbonifacio@nev-gold.com, call 604-337-4997, or visit our website at www.nev-gold.com.

        Sampling Methodology, Quality Control and Quality Assurance
        NevGold QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project and include insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in all drill holes. A 30g gold fire assay and multi-elemental analysis ICP-OES method was completed by ISO 17025 certified American Assay Labs, Reno.

        The historic data collection chain of custody procedures and analytical results by previous operators appear adequate and were completed to industry standard practices. For the Newmont and US Gold data a 30g gold fire assay and multi-elemental analysis ICP-OES method MS-41 was completed by ISO 17025 certified ALS Chemex, Reno or Elko Nevada.

        Geochemical ICP (5g) analysis for the Wilson, Christianson and Tingey report was completed by Geochemical Services Inc. and the XRF analyses (glass disk or pellets) by Brigham Young University.

        Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg French, CPG, the Company’s Vice President, Exploration, who is NevGold’s Qualified Person (‘QP’) under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.

        About the Company
        NevGold is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the proven districts of Nevada and Idaho. NevGold owns a 100% interest in the Limousine Butte and Cedar Wash gold projects in Nevada, and the Nutmeg Mountain gold project and Zeus copper project in Idaho.

        Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

        Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

        This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company’s current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as ‘plan’, ‘expect’, ‘project’, ‘intend’, ‘believe’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘suggest’, ‘indicate’ and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions ‘may’ or ‘will’ occur. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the proposed work programs at Limousine Butte, the exploration potential at Limousine Butte, and future potential project milestones such as the potential Mineral Resource Estimate (‘MRE’). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, market and business conditions, and the ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals. There is some risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management’s assumptions may not be correct or that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

        References

        Blackmon, D. (2021) Antimony: The Most Important Mineral You Never Heard Of. Article Prepared by Forbes.

        Kurtenbach, E. (2024) China Bans Exports to US of Gallium, Germanium, Antimony in response to Chip Sanctions. Article Prepared by AP News.

        Lv, A. and Munroe, T. (2024) China Bans Export of Critical Minerals to US as Trade Tensions Escalate.  Article Prepared by Reuters.

        Lv, A. and Jackson, L. (2025) China’s Curbs on Exports of Strategic Minerals. Article Prepared by Reuters.

        Perpetua Resources. (2025) Antimony Summary.  Articles and Videos Prepared by Perpetua Resources.

        Sangine, E. (2022) U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2023. Antimony Summary Report prepared by U.S.G.S

        U.S.G.S. (2022) U.S. Geological Survey Releases 2022 List of Critical Minerals. Reported Prepared by U.S.G.S

        Wilson, D.,J., Christiansen, E., H., and Tingey, D., G., 1994, Geology and Geochemistry of the Golden Butte Mine- A Small Carlin- Type Gold Deposit in Eastern Nevada: Brigham Young University Geology Studies, v.40, P.185-211. BYU V.40 P.185-211.  

        Primary Logo

        News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

        Cartier Resources Inc. (″ Cartier ″ or the ″ Company ″) (TSXV: ECR,OTC:ECRFF; FSE: 6CA) is pleased to announce the eighth batch of results from the 100,000-m drilling program (2 drill rigs), for the Nordeau Sector and more precisely, the East Nordeau Zone (″ ENZ ″), on the 100%-owned Cadillac Project, located in Val-d’Or (Abitibi, Quebec). The ENZ consists of two parallel high-grade gold zones: EN1 and EN2, spaced approximately 25 m apart.

        Strategic Highlights from Nordeau Sector

        Drill Hole Results (Figures 1 to 4)

        • CA25-565 intersected 23.2 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN1 Zone).
        • CA26-570 graded 11.9 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN1 Zone) and 14.1 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN2 Zone).
        • CA26-572 reported 7.3 g/t Au over 1.0 m (EN1 Zone).

        Significance for Investors

        • Holes CA25-565, CA26-570 and 572 confirm the newly recognized ENZ high-grade gold zone near surface. The mineralization extends over a minimum of 400 m in strike length and remains open at depth.
        • New mineralization environment with iron formations indicates a strong opportunity for making gold discoveries, increasing the scale of target area in the Nordeau Sector.
        • Most importantly, ENZ is strategically located just 800 metres south of Contact Sector and the new emergent high-grade gold North Contact Zone, signaling significant upside exploration potential.

        Next Steps

        • Further expansion drilling is planned to significantly refine the geological model, verify the mineralization continuity and determine the gold enrichment.
        • Additional exploration drilling is required to test several new high-priority regional targets along strike of the Nordeau Sector and the Cadillac Fault Zone, backed by detailed structural and geological modelling and VRIFY’s artificial intelligence (AI) driven targeting.

        The Nordeau Sector now becomes the third sector to return significant gold results from our 100,000-meter drill campaign, underscoring the growing scale and strength of the mineralized system. With no fewer than 11 sectors to be drilled, this aggressive program is designed to unlock multiple new gold discoveries and firmly establish the Cadillac Project as a camp-scale gold opportunity with upside exploration potential.‘ – Philippe Cloutier, President and CEO of Cartier.

        The initial results from the Nordeau Sector indicate a gold enrichment trend comparable to that observed in the North Contact Zone of the Contact Sector. These findings also suggest that the sector may exhibit a slightly different structural geometry than that identified in the Main Sector and at the past-producing Chimo mine. This drilling program is designed to confirm this interpretation and further define the sector’s potential, with the objective of unlocking additional value for shareholders. ‘ – Ronan Deroff, Vice President Exploration of Cartier.

        Table 1: Drill hole best assay results from Nordeau Sector

        Hole Number From (m) To (m) Core Length** (m) Au (g/t) Uncut Vertical Depth (m) Zone
        CA25-561 249.9 250.9 1.0 4.9 ≈160
        CA25-565 68.0 69.0 1.0 23.2 ≈70 EN1
        CA26-570 33.0 34.0 1.0 11.9 ≈25 EN1
        And  78.0 79.0 1.0 14.1 ≈60 EN2
        CA26-572 117.0 118.0 1.0 7.3 ≈90 EN1

        * Occurrences of visible gold (VG) have been noted in the drill core at various intervals. ** Based on the observed intercept angles within the drill core, true thicknesses are estimated to represent approximately 70-95% of the reported core length intervals.

        Figure 1: Location of the new drill results (regional plan view)

        Figure 1

        Figure 2: Location of the new drill results (regional longitudinal section)

        Figure 2

        Figure 3: Plan view, cross and long sections of the Nordeau Sector

        Figure 3

        Figure 4: Photos of the drill core from holes CA25-565 and CA26-570

        Figure 4

        Nordeau Sector

        The Nordeau Sector is a highly prospective area featuring the East Nordeau Zone with indicated resources of 17,500 ounces (0.3 million tonnes at 1.7 g/t Au) and inferred resources of 101,200 ounces (1.7 million tonnes at 1.9 g/t Au). The latter is the first ever resource estimate in this sector for which there has been only limited and relatively shallow testing. This sector hosts several newly defined high-priority drill targets.

        The ENZ lies along an east-west trending, strongly sheared corridor (Cadillac Fault Zone) and occurs in an iron formation (Cadillac Group) within the turbiditic sedimentary rocks (wacke-mudrock) of Cadillac Group. This lithological unit is a favorable horizon for hydrothermal fluid flow, likely related to synvolcanic gold deposition.

        The ENZ, defined by at least two parallel gold-rich zones, are typically and primarily associated with a medium to coarse-grained and disseminated pyrrhotite-pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralization, with a pervasive carbonate-garnet alteration, all crosscut by late-stage smoky quartz vein and veinlet stockworks.

        Milestones of 2025-2027 Exploration Program

        100,000 m Drilling Program (Q3 2025 to Q2 2027)

        The ambitious 600-hole drilling program will both expand known gold zones and test new shallow surface high-potential targets. The objective is to unlock the camp-scale, high-grade gold potential along the 15 km Cadillac Fault Zone. It is important to note that Cartier’s recent consolidation of this large land holding offers the unique opportunity in over 90 years for unrestricted exploration.

        Environmental Baseline Studies & Economic Evaluation of Chimo mine tailings (Q3 2025 to Q3 2026)

        The baseline studies will be divided into two distinct parts which include 1) environmental baseline desktop study and 2) preliminary environmental geochemical characterization. The initial baseline studies will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current environmental conditions and implement operations that minimize environmental impact while optimizing the economic potential of the project. These studies will be supplemented by an initial assessment of the economic potential of the past-producing Chimo mine tailings to determine whether a quantity of gold can be extracted economically.

        Metallurgical Sampling and Testwork Program (Q4 2025 to Q1 2026)

        The metallurgical testwork program includes defining of expected gold recovery rates and improving historical results from the Chimo deposit, as well as establishing metallurgical recovery data for the first-time for the East Chimo and West Nordeau satellite deposits, where no previous data exists. This comprehensive program will characterize the mineralized material, gold recovery potential and validate optimal grind size defining the most efficient and cost-effective flowsheet. The data generated will directly support optimized project development and have the potential to significantly reduce both capital and operating costs, while also improving the environmental footprint.

        Preliminary Economic Assessment (2026)

        Internal engineering studies have been initiated to validate a multitude of development scenarios that consider the updated MRE and current market environment. Following the selection of the most optimal scenario, a PEA will be completed which will also build upon the results of the metallurgical testwork program and the environmental baseline studies to unveil the updated development strategy and vision of the project.

        Table 2: Drill hole collar coordinates from Nordeau Sector

        Hole Number UTM Easting (m) UTM Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Hole Length (m)
        CA25-561 336378 5319582 351 177 -44 261
        CA25-565 336230 5319051 351 221 -73 141
        CA25-566 336230 5319051 351 145 -64 151
        CA26-570 335844 5319145 355 147 -56 81
        CA26-571 335908 5319237 355 221 -51 174
        CA26-572 335908 5319237 355 183 -52 186


        Table 3
        : Drill hole detailed assay results from Nordeau Sector

        Hole Number From (m) To (m) Core Length* (m) Au (g/t) Uncut Vertical Depth (m) Zone
        CA25-561 249.9 250.9 1.0 4.9 ≈160
        CA25-565 68.0 69.0 1.0 23.2 ≈70 EN1
        CA25-566 138.0 141.1 3.1 1.1 ≈120
        Including  138.0 139.0 1.0 1.5
        Including  140.0 141.1 1.1 1.1
        CA26-570 26.0 27.0 1.0 2.1 ≈25 EN1
        And  33.4 34.0 1.0 11.9
        And  78.0 79.0 1.0 14.1 ≈60 EN2
        CA26-571 145.0 146.0 1.0 2.4 ≈110 EN2
        CA26-572 108.0 109.0 1.0 1.0 ≈90 EN1
        Including  117.0 118.0 1.0 7.3
        And  137.0 137.5 0.5 1.0 ≈105 EN2
        And  139.5 140.5 1.0 3.0

        * Occurrences of visible gold (VG) have been noted in the drill core at various intervals. ** Based on the observed intercept angles within the drill core, true thicknesses are estimated to represent approximately 70-95% of the reported core length intervals.

        Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Program

        The drill core from the Cadillac Project is NQ-size and, upon receipt from the drill rig, is described and sampled by Cartier geologists. Core is sawn in half, with one half labelled, bagged and submitted for analysis and the other half retained and stored at Cartier’s coreshack facilities located in Val-d’Or, Quebec, for future reference and verification. As part of Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program, Cartier inserts blank samples and certified reference materials (standards) at regular intervals into the sample stream prior to shipment to monitor laboratory performance and analytical accuracy.

        Drill core samples are sent to MSALABS’s analytical laboratory located in Val-d’Or, Quebec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried and crushed (70% passing a 2-millimeter sieve). The analysis for gold is performed on an approximately 500 g aliquot using Chrysos Photon Assay™ technology, which uses high-energy X-ray excitation with gamma detection to quickly and non-destructively measure gold content.

        Alternatively, samples are submitted to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (‘Actlabs’), located in either Val-d’Or or Ste-Germaine-Boulé, both in Quebec, for preparation and gold analysis. The entire sample is dried, crushed (90% passing a 2-millimetre sieve) and 250 g is pulverized (90% passing a 0.07-millimetre sieve). The analysis for gold is conducted using a 50 g fire assay fusion with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish, with a detection limit up to 10,000 ppb. Samples exceeding this threshold are reanalyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish to determine high-grade values accurately.

        Both MSALABS and Actlabs are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited for gold assays and implement industry-standard QA/QC protocols. Their internal quality control programs include the use of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials at set intervals, with established acceptance criteria to ensure data integrity and analytical precision.

        Qualified Person

        The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed and approved by Mr. Ronan Déroff, P.Geo., M.Sc., Vice President Exploration, who is a ″ Qualified Person ″ as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (″ NI 43-101 ″).

        About Cadillac Project

        The Cadillac Project, covering 14,000 hectares along a 15-kilometre stretch of the Cadillac Fault, is one of the largest consolidated land packages in the Val-d’Or mining camp. Cartier’s flagship asset integrates the historic Chimo Mine and East Cadillac projects, creating a dominant position in a world class gold mining district. With excellent road access, year-round infrastructure and nearby milling capacity, the project is ideally positioned for rapid advancement and value creation.

        The Cadillac property contains total gold resource of 767,800 ounces in the measured and indicated category (10.0 Mt at 2.4 g/t Au) and 2,416,900 ounces in the inferred category (35.2 Mt at 2.1 g/t Au) across all the sectors. Please see the ″ NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate on the Cadillac Project, Val-d’Or, Abitibi, Quebec, Canada. Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo. of PLR Resources Inc., Stephen Coates, P.Eng. of Evomine Consulting Inc. and Florent Baril, P.Eng. of Bumigeme Inc. ″, effective January 27, 2026.

        About Cartier Resources Inc.

        Cartier Resources Inc., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Val-d’Or (Quebec) is a gold exploration company focused on building shareholder value through discovery and development in one of Canada’s most prolific mining camps. The Company combines strong technical expertise and a track record of successful exploration to advance its flagship Cadillac Project. Cartier’s strategy is clear: unlock the full potential of one of the largest undeveloped gold landholdings in Quebec.

        For further information, contact:

        Philippe Cloutier, P. Geo.
        President and CEO
        Telephone: 819-856-0512
        philippe.cloutier@ressourcescartier.com
        www.ressourcescartier.com

        Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

        Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

        https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9c3a9f1d-5679-4c82-9013-3bb700669d70

        https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d621357-ee0b-4542-88dd-54d2baa3cb6f

        https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6bd11899-e451-4629-a984-32cbe71f92ad

        https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3dbc956-7efa-40da-a0b2-7edf5f17f8da

        Primary Logo

        News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com

        Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (February 18) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

        Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

        Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$68,092.31, down 0.3 percent over the last 24 hours.

        Bitcoin price performance, February 18, 2026.

        Bitcoin price performance, February 18, 2026.

        Chart via TradingView

        Ether (ETH) was priced at US$2,019.43, up by 0.3 percent over the last 24 hours.

        Altcoin price update

        • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.49, up by 0.6 percent over 24 hours.
        • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$85.41, down by 1.9 percent over 24 hours.

        Today’s crypto news to know

        CLARITY Act advances as regulators close ranks

        Momentum is building behind the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025 as lawmakers and regulators signal rare alignment on crypto market structure.

        The House has already passed the bill, leaving the Senate as the next hurdle, where committee markups and cross-panel negotiations will determine whether it reaches the floor. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Congress should pass CLARITY “this spring.”

        At a recent House hearing, SEC Chair Paul S. Atkins backed the effort and outlined a joint SEC–CFTC initiative dubbed “Project Crypto” aimed at clarifying token classifications while legislation moves forward.

        The Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission have long sparred over jurisdiction, so public coordination signals expectations that durable reform may be imminent. Meanwhile, the Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the Digital Commodity Intermediaries Act, which lawmakers say builds on the House framework and incorporates bipartisan input.

        If enacted, the bill would shift oversight from enforcement-by-interpretation to clearer statutory categories for exchanges, brokers, issuers and market makers.

        California sets crypto licensing deadline under DFAL

        California is moving ahead with state-level crypto oversight, confirming that firms serving residents must secure a Digital Financial Assets Law license, or apply for one, by July 1, 2026.

        Applications open March 9 through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System, according to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2023, DFAL creates a comprehensive licensing regime covering exchanges, custodians and crypto kiosks.

        The law has drawn comparisons to New York’s BitLicense, which once prompted several firms to exit that state.

        “California is the fourth-largest economy in the world, so its regulatory choices inevitably carry weight,” said Joe Ciccolo of the California Blockchain Advocacy Coalition. He added that clearer rules could attract institutional capital but warned that smaller operators may opt to leave rather than meet stricter standards. With roughly a quarter of U.S. blockchain firms based in the state, the rollout could shape national compliance strategies.

        Peter Thiel exits Ethereum treasury bet

        Billionaire investor Peter Thiel has fully divested his stake in ETHZilla, according to a recent SEC filing showing zero beneficial ownership as of year-end 2025.

        The exit marks a sharp reversal from August, when Thiel disclosed a 7.5 percent position that was widely viewed as a vote of confidence in corporate Ethereum treasury models. The filing indicates no remaining voting or dispositive power tied to Thiel or affiliated Founders Fund entities.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

        This post appeared first on investingnews.com